Patriot picks: Lehigh men, American women

Mountain Hawks have all pieces needed to win it all

Lehigh has established a set starting rotation, an offensive balance and a cohesive group with solid leadership.

All of those goals have added up to a school record for non-league victories.

Coach Brett Reed's club met the most significant goals to date in the 2011-12 season.

But the real goal remains: a Patriot League championship.

Based on what I've seen, the Mountain Hawks should be considered the favorites to complete their mission and return to the NCAA Tournament.

They have the league's most athletically gifted player in C.J. McCollum. He is climbing the school and league career scoring charts virtually every time he plays, but he contributes in so many ways. Rebounding. Assists. Steals.

And, what separates McCollum from Bucknell's Mike Muscala, the reigning PL player of the year, is that he has the ball in his hands a lot more and can have more control of a game.

Bucknell should be a worthy defending champion, because of the return of four starters — Muscala, Joe Willman, Bryson Johnson and Bryan Cohen.

American and Holy Cross are good bets to get home-court games in the tournament. The Eagles have the athletic duo of transfers Charles Hinkle, the league's leading scorer, and Troy Brewer. But Stephen Lumpkins' decision to forego his final season to pursue a pro baseball career has left a void in the middle for coach Jeff Jones.

On the women's side, American is my pick, based on its overall depth and experience, led by Lisa Strack and Alexis Dobbs. Lehigh has recovered from a slow start and should be a threat, along with defending tournament champion Navy and Holy Cross.

It is a down year across the league, so barring Colgate or Bucknell challenging for league supremacy, not much could be considered a surprise.

Here's a breakdown of the teams, with league play beginning Saturday.

MEN

Lehigh

On its side: McCollum, who should finish his career as the league's all-time leading scorer.

Working against it: Post depth.

Key to success: Holden Greiner and Mackey McKnight must continue to contribute at both ends of the floor.

Predicted finish: First.

BUCKNELL

On its side: Experience, led by the clutch Muscala.

Working against it: Bench play and lack of a true point guard.

Keys to success: Depth and point guard play.

Predicted finish: Second.

HOLY CROSS

On its side: Devin Brown and R.J. Evans, who can score in bunches.

Working against it: The absence of Mike Cavataio, who has missed all but 12 minutes of the season opener with a broken hand.

Key to success: Getting production from its post players, who also must stay out of foul trouble.

Predicted finish: Third.

AMERICAN

On its side: Two athletic talents in Hinkle and Brewer.

Working against it: Center and point guard.

Key to success: Munoz at the point.

Predicted finish: Fourth.

LAFAYETTE

On its side: Excellent perimeter shooting, led by Jim Mower.

Working against it: Rebounding.

Keys to success: The health of Tony Johnson, the league's premier point guard. Back problems have kept him out all season. Getting something from fellow junior Levi Giese also would help.

Predicted finish: Fifth.

COLGATE

On its side: Experience.

Working against it: A true go-to player.

Key to success: Getting new coach, old players to work really well together.